Crown Preparation and Placement: Your Step-By-Step Guide

If you need to have a tooth restored with a crown, it helps to know what’s ahead. Our professional dental team at K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group wants you to know the steps it takes to support your oral health with a crown. Here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Evaluation

Before we determine you need a crown, we first evaluate the tooth that needs restoration. There are many reasons for crown placement, such as fractures, decay, or discoloration. We assess the severity of the issue, the size, and the location of the problem.

Step 2: Tooth preparation

To prepare your tooth for a crown, we numb the area with a local anesthetic. We then reshape your tooth to make room for the crown to be placed, while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. This may involve reducing the height or width of your tooth.

Once your tooth is ready, we take an impression of it to be sent to a dental lab, which fabricates the final crown, along with a bite registration to simulate the movements of your jaw.

Step 3: Temporary crown placement

After we take an impression of your tooth, we place a temporary crown. This temporary crown helps protect and maintain your prepared tooth while we wait for the dental laboratory to complete your permanent crown. 

Temporary crowns are typically made of acrylic and cemented with temporary cement that we can easily remove once your final crown is ready.

Step 4: Crown fabrication

It takes about a week for the lab to fabricate your crown. During this waiting time, we may need to make adjustments to your temporary crown if it becomes loose or breaks.

Step 5: Crown placement

When your final crown is ready, we remove your temporary crown, clean your natural tooth, and place your new crown onto your natural tooth. We also check your bite.

Once it fits just right, we use a strong dental cement to hold the crown in place permanently. You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during this process.

After placement, we check for a proper fit, function, and aesthetics, making sure you have a successful outcome.

Step 6: Follow-up visit

Your last step is a simple one — attend a follow-up visit. At this time, we can make adjustments to the crown, if needed, to ensure it feels comfortable and functions perfectly. 

Keep your crown clean with normal oral hygiene, especially to protect the underlying tooth from further decay or damage.

Crown placement is an effective solution to many dental problems. With proper planning and execution, your crown can last for many years, protecting your teeth and restoring your smile. 

To preserve your crown long-term, practice good oral hygiene and avoid substances that can damage your crown, such as hard foods, ice, or other hard objects. 

If you still have questions about the process of getting a crown, don’t hesitate to call our office today in Washington, DC, at 202-315-0856. You can also send us a message.